This is the third major injury setback for the Brazilian forward at Tottenham, following two previous long-term absences during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. Richarlison’s recurring injuries have become a serious concern, not only from a physical perspective but also in terms of reliability and commitment.
There was a growing perception during Postecoglou’s time that Richarlison failed to fully respond to the manager’s demands. On several occasions, his body language raised questions. When leaving the pitch due to injury, he often appeared disengaged and emotionally distant, showing little visible frustration or urgency to return. At times, it gave the impression that he lacked the desire to push through adversity for the team.
Most concerning was the sense that results and Tottenham’s collective success were not his primary focus during critical phases of last season. Whether fair or not, the optics were damaging. For a club struggling for consistency and leadership, such moments undermine dressing-room standards and weaken the collective mentality. It really looked like Richarlison took care of his wages and pay check other on the club performances, and Postecoglou also.
At the elite level, availability is a skill. Repeated injuries, combined with doubts over motivation and professionalism, place a player’s long-term role under serious scrutiny.
Thomas Franks does not care much for him; he prefers Kolo Muani’s qualities.
The betrayal- Richarlison has betrayed his former coach Ange Postecoglou last season, but Frank does not believe him. He is not the first choice in Frank’s cards anyway.
The current injury situation only deepens the crisis. Richarlison will be absent for two months, a significant blow for a team already lacking attacking stability. Richarlison reportedly has hamstring issues in this crucial part of the season. It was last season when Postacoglu highly depended on him.
Kolo Muani appears to be Thomas Frank’s preferred option in attack—a preference he has shown cautiously—but this period will likely define that choice. There will also be opportunities for Tell, though Tottenham will be weakened further in Champions League fixtures, where Richarlison’s contribution is particularly valuable.
Dominic Solanke remains unavailable, and if Kolo Muani fails to deliver consistently, Tottenham could face an extremely turbulent period.
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